Resistance risks of fenceline glyphosate

Date:01-05-2011

Farmers are being reminded of the chemical resistance risks of controlling fenceline weeds with glyphosate, and are being urged to employ integrated weed management systems.

A Glyphosate Resistance fact sheet from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) warns that resistant weeds at crop margins can set seed that is then transferred into the paddock, thereby reducing the effectiveness of herbicide applications and the farm’s overall productivity.

The fact sheet states that the main factors that contribute to glyphosate-resistant weeds are: intensive use of glyphosate; a lack of plant competition; no other effective herbicides being employed; and little or no other weed control practices employed.

Rather than using glyphosate, farmers are encouraged to employ other weed management tactics including mowing or slashing the weeds along the fenceline, with herbicide used only in area immediately under the wire, or use of herbicides other than glyphosate.